GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Botanic Gardens will remain open to the public throughout the construction period of the Penang Hill cable car project.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) said the project is targeted to be completed by June 2026.
PHC said only the current hawker centre, the parking lot opposite the Penang Botanic Gardens Department's Office, as well as the parking area outside the Penang Botanic Gardens would be temporarily closed to the public during the construction phase.
During this time, visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles at the parking lots at the Youth Park or Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, which are just a short walk to the gardens.
"PHC will continue to work with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to find solutions for more parking spaces for the convenience of visitors, especially during weekends and public holidays.
"The hawker centre will be relocated to a temporary site next to the Penang Botanic Gardens' office.
"This transition is scheduled to take place at the end of next month, ensuring that the hawkers can continue their businesses without disruption," it said today.
PHC said the site of the current hawker centre would be transformed into a multi-storey parking and commercial complex.
It said, upon completion, traders currently operating at the hawker centre would move into the new facility.
"The commercial complex will add more modern facilities and amenities for the visitors, hikers, and the community around the area.
"The safety of the public is of utmost importance.
"PHC together with Hartasuma Sdn Bhd, the cable car project concessionaire, will ensure all safety standards and procedures are complied with,."
PHC also seeks cooperation from the public to adhere to the safety messages and signages installed at the site.
According to the PHC, the Penang Hill cable car project aims to elevate the status of Penang Hill and the Penang Botanic Gardens, with enhancements planned for these areas.
"This highly anticipated project is expected to significantly contribute to the tourism sector in the state, bringing socio-economic benefits to local residents.
"Furthermore, the cable car project as a whole would address the parking problems and traffic congestion along Jalan Kebun Bunga while improving public facilities for the visitors of Penang Botanic Gardens," it said.
Hoarding works are presently in progress at the vicinity of the Penang Botanic Gardens as well as at Penang Hill summit area and they are slated to be completed by end of next month.
In June, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the Penang Hill cable car project in a groundbreaking ceremony.
The event marked a significant milestone in the state's efforts to enhance Penang's tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity and accessibility to Penang Hill, as well as transforming it into a must-visit historic landmark.
The landmark project, conceived by the PHC, in partnership with Hartasuma, is set to elevate visitors' appreciation of Penang Hill's natural beauty and biodiversity, help manage tourist traffic load during peak seasons and serve as an alternative route during emergencies.
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